More money can be set aside for aviation use under new legislation signed by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt.

S.B.930, signed by the governor on July 3, raises the cap on the state’s aviation trust fund from $6 million to $10 million annually and provides other benefits for general aviation, including a sales tax exemption on certain aircraft parts to take effect Jan. 1, 2009, and last until Jan. 1, 2015. The measure also increases the number of aircraft owners who can apply for a refund of the property tax paid on their aircraft.

“This measure supports general aviation in two critical ways—returning money generated by aviation back to the aviation trust fund and making aircraft ownership more affordable,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs.

AOPA has actively supported S.B.930 as it made its way through the legislative process and appreciates the leadership of Rep. Neal St. Onge, Sen. Bill Stouffer, and the Missouri Department of Transportation.